The 18-year-old, who starred for the Young All Whites at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Mexico last year, had been playing at amateur level for Guernsey FC in the Combined Counties League and is delighted to have put pen to paper with a side who play in the second tier of English football.
“It’s a dream come true,” he says.
“I’ve worked really hard to get my chance and I’m delighted to have been given this opportunity to play football at such a high level. I want to do all I can to grow as a player and hopefully I’ll be pushing to be involved with the first team in the future.”
While pleased to be joining the professional ranks, the midfielder is grateful for the role Guernsey has played in his development.
“I would like to thank Guernsey for allowing me the chance to play competitive football in the UK and without the club, this chance wouldn’t have come my way.”
His manager at Guernsey, Tony Vance, feels he has what it takes to be a success at his new club.
“It was clear when he first got involved with the club last season that he had the potential to go into the professional game,” Vance says.
“It was remarkable for a 17-year-old to have the confidence and ability to dominate games and demand the ball. By having the platform that Guernsey provided him, it was only a matter of time before a professional club would declare an interest in Rhys.”

Share